3 India batters who have been Pakistan Women's biggest nightmare in T20Is
Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma sitting in the dugout (Source: Getty Images)
Published - 14 Jun 2026, 09:45 AM• Read time - 2 mins
India‑Pakistan contests in the men’s game are often defined by the battle between India’s batting brilliance and Pakistan’s bowling firepower. The women’s circuit follows a similar theme, with India’s top batters consistently proving to be Pakistan’s biggest challenge.
As the two sides prepare for a high‑voltage clash at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in Edgbaston, Birmingham, here’s a look at the three Indian batters who have inflicted the most damage on Pakistan in Women’s T20Is.
1. Mithali Raj
Even years after her retirement, Mithali Raj remains the leading run‑scorer for India against Pakistan in Women’s T20Is. Between 2009 and 2018, the former India captain amassed 315 runs in 10 matches, with a best of 73 not out.
Her runs came at an impressive average of 45.00 and a strike rate of 88.23, with three unbeaten innings. Mithali struck 30 fours and one six across those encounters, cementing her reputation as Pakistan’s biggest nemesis.
2. Smriti Mandhana
Second on the list is India’s stylish left‑hander Smriti Mandhana, who has been a consistent thorn in Pakistan’s side since 2014. In 10 matches, she has scored 239 runs, averaging 26.55 with a highest score of 63 not out.
Mandhana’s runs have come at a strike rate of 103.01, and she has peppered Pakistan’s bowlers with 33 fours and three sixes. As India’s vice‑captain, she remains a key figure in this rivalry.
3. Harmanpreet Kaur
The current India captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, completes the trio. In 12 innings against Pakistan, she has compiled 194 runs, averaging 32.33 with a best of 34 not out.
Her strike rate of 80.49 may be modest, but her ability to stay unbeaten, six times in India‑Pakistan clashes, highlights her resilience. Harmanpreet has struck 15 fours in these encounters and will be eager to add more in Edgbaston.
Both Harmanpreet and Smriti have the opportunity to extend their dominance when India face Pakistan on Sunday, adding another chapter to this storied rivalry.
